Information on our cruise ship

Great pictures of the ship (the last few pictures are what our cabins will be like)

Article all about the Louis Olympia from last summer

Part 1 Link

Classic Aegean on LOUIS OLYMPIA, Part One

Posted on Saturday, June 22, 2013 by Peter Knego
Peter Knego embarks on a classic four night journey from Peter Knego embarks on a classic four night journey from Piraeus to the Greek Islands and Turkey aboard Louis Cruises' LOUIS OLYMPIA, the former SONG OF AMERICA

All photos by and copyright Peter Knego 2013 unless otherwise noted.
Monday, June 17, 2013

MV SONG OF AMERICA at Los Angeles in 1993.

When I first stepped aboard Royal Caribbean’s SONG OF AMERICA during the ship’s only season of cruises from Los Angeles way back in 1993, she was in her American-based prime. The one-of-a-kind vessel was the bridge between RCI’s SONG OF NORWAY trio of first generation cruise ships and the SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS triplets, which were the first purpose-built mega cruise ships. Boasting two pools surrounded in an acre’s worth of deck space, a full wrap-around promenade, loads of forward observation and sunning space, a dedicated movie theater, a state-of-the-art showroom and cabaret lounge and, of course, the line’s trademark Viking Crown, SONG OF AMERICA was the antithesis of what was then considered a classic cruise ship. And yet she boasted no rock climbing walls, wave runners, water slides and other distractions from the sea-going experience. Go figure.

SONG OF AMERICA departs Miami for the final time in 1999.

By the late 1990s, the SONG OF AMERICA could no longer compete with an armada of balconied newbuilds, most more than twice her 38,000 gross ton size. Still sleek, popular and profitable, she was just not profitable enough for RCI’s accountants. In 1999, she was sold to U.K.-based Airtours and renamed SUNBIRD. In subsequent refits, a deck of balconied suites was added above the bridge and several public rooms were modified. In 2004, she was sold to Cyprus-based Louis Cruises and chartered to Thomson Holidays as the THOMSON DESTINY and in 2012, began sailing for Louis as the LOUIS OLYMPIA.

Reception, facing aft.

My longing but myopic “ship eye” in 1993 was focused on seeking out burled woodwork, etched glass and classic artwork as there was plenty of it to go around at that time with dozens of 1950s and 1960s-built ships still plying the seas. Because of that, I had vastly underestimated the SONG OF AMERICA’s charms…

Reception detail.

More Reception detail.

It was a pleasant shock to board the former SONG OF AMERICA and get swept away with just what a jewel of a ship she once was and now still is. Her spacious Reception area boasts a gorgeously angular fixture with blown glass insets that reveal her onetime Scandinavian roots.

The rather tartanic LOUIS OLYMPIA Suite 7003, facing starboard.

When SONG OF AMERICA entered service, my Deck 7 mini-suite was actually in the ship’s top tier of accommodation but today there are new suites with balconies on Deck 9 to steal its thunder. Intelligently designed, Stateroom 7003 would be a very comfortable haven for the next four days, providing me with plenty of storage space and electrical outlets, a queen-sized bed, flat screen television and even a stocked mini-bar. I particularly enjoyed the two picture windows that looked out onto the promenade and the tartan soft fittings (presumably added for her U.K.-based cruising years) added an incongruous but warm charm.

LOUIS OLYMPIA Suite 7003 wc.

The bathroom had marble flooring, a wide counter, full tub with shower (unfortunately, I never got around to using the tub) and, again, loads of cabinet space.

LOUIS OLYMPIA Suite Amenities.

Louis even provides bottled amenities such as shampoo, bath gel and moisturizer in its upper category cabins.

HELLAS LIBERTY at Piraeus.

Immediately following boat drill, the LOUIS OLYMPIA made her way out of Piraeus, passing the preserved HELLAS LIBERTY on her starboard side. It was nice to see another Liberty ship preserved but I cannot help but wonder what it would have been like if the original plans to save REGAL EMPRESS (ex OLYMPIA, CARIBE I) ever came to fruition.

Passing Perama and Keratsini.

Off in the distance of Keratsini and Perama, I could spot some laid up ferries, including several NEL Lines vessels, but no significant cruise ships. As the LOUIS OLYMPIA made her course into the sapphire blue waters of the Aegean for Mykonos, I unpacked and then headed down to the Seven Seas Restaurant for lunch.

Seven Seas Restaurant, facing forward.

Again, I was pleasantly shocked to see, other than pleasing gold and blue soft fittings and furniture, how little had been changed in the Seven Seas Restaurant. Even the trio of ancient maps depicting Africa, Europe and Asia were still on the aft bulkheads (they’ll show up in a future Decked!).

Greek culinary display.

Louis has wisely embraced its culinary roots and has begun promoting Hellenic cuisine on board its ships. That means genuine Greek recipes with fresh herbs and veggies that are locally sourced. As a huge fan of Mediterranean food, I would be in heaven for the next four days.

LOUIS OLYMPIA table setting.

Olive oil and balsamic.

All the breads (and pastries) on the ship are freshly baked, all the better with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to dip them in.

Genuine Greek at the buffet.

Lunch featured all-you-can-eat horiatiki (Greek salad), dolmathes (grape leaves), homemade pilafs with oregano and other spices — and don’t get me started on the desserts!

LOUIS OLYMPIA Gym, facing starboard.

I paid my penance for engorging as best I could with a quick workout in the ship’s small gym. If I am to be fair, I have to say that the gym was a disappointment with little space to stretch in and both elliptical machines on the fritz. Hopefully, at least the elipticals can be replaced as they are truly needed with all that good food.

From Romeos to Mykonos.

Captain Stathis Romeos is the ultimate Greek mariner, both a master of the sea and the captain’s table. The veteran captain has helmed countless legendary ships, including the STELLA SOLARIS, APOLLO IX, ORPHEUS, WORLD RENAISSANCE, APOLLON (ex EMPRESS OF CANADA), CALYPSO, etc.. I was thrilled to get his invite to LOUIS OLYMPIA’s bridge to watch our sailing into Mykonos that evening but when I arrived, despite his warm welcome, I could see he was a bit miffed, and for good reason. The massive CELEBRITY EQUINOX had not left her berth on time, setting back our arrival by at least 30 minutes, which on these short Aegean jaunts, can create all sorts of scheduling challenges.

CELEBRITY EQUINOX finally departs.

ORIENT QUEEN awaits at Mykonos.

As the EQUINOX slid past us, the LOUIS OLYMPIA’s gorgeous little fleetmate, the 1968-built ORIENT QUEEN (ex STARWARD, etc.), glistened in the afternoon light. The two ships spend a lot of time together, both in port and overtaking each other at sea. Currently, the OLYMPIA is offering four night cruises and the ORIENT QUEEN seven night cruises, calling at the same havens, although the ORIENT QUEEN takes the extra days to include Istanbul.

Aft from wing of LOUIS OLYMPIA.

LOUIS OLYMPIA arriving at Mykonos.

The good captain manned the controls at the wing, calling orders into the wheelhouse that were subsequently relayed by his cabal of officers to the engine room. With thrusters and screws engaged, the LOUIS OLYMPIA spun around like a svelte Ferrari, defying the Mistrals by easing into her berth at Tourlos. And while we’re on that wing, note the brass instruments — even brand new ships don’t glisten like this!

Sky Bar, facing port/forward.

As fellow passengers filed off to watch the sun set from a myriad of Mykonos’ cafes, I took advantage of the empty ship to begin my documentation. I started at the top with the Sky Bar, formerly the Viking Crown Lounge, and worked my way down from there.

LOUIS OLYMPIA, aft along Deck 10.

There is so much deck space on the LOUIS OLYMPIA, including an abundance of forward observation platforms, making her a perfect ship from which to photograph arrivals in places like Santorini and Mykonos. On most new ships, forward observation has sadly gone the way of the wrap-around promenade.

SONG OF AMERICA builder’s plate.

It was so nice to find SONG OF AMERICA’s Wartsila builder’s plate at the base of her radio mast. Rather recently, someone cared enough to take it down, polish it, and put it back in place.

LOUIS OLYMPIA pool deck, facing aft from Deck 10.

Those twin Deck 9 pools, framed in a sea of freshly scrubbed teak, were still so inviting.

Golden glow in the Lido Cafe.

As the sun bathed the ship in long shadows and a golden glow, I headed to the Lido Cafe on aft Deck 9 where another Greek feast awaited.

Heavenly hummus and tip-top tzatziki!

Finding good hummus or tzatziki in California is a major challenge, so I did not waste any time in dolloping huge amounts of both on my plate.

Vegetarian Moussaka!

There was even a vegetarian moussaka, which something I can usually only dream about.

Thiples station.

Maria serves up the thiples.

Thiples, up close and delicious.

I really did not want dessert but then I saw Maria frying up a spectacular confection called thiples. Why Americans eat doughnuts when they could be savoring these honey-drenched, cinnamon and powdered sugar-dusted delights is beyond me.

Twilight of the gods.

By the time I disembarked to take some photos of the LOUIS OLYMPIA and ORIENT QUEEN, the sun was setting. Perhaps next week, when I was on the ORIENT QUEEN, I could enjoy it from one of those little cafes with a drink of something special but for now, I was very content to watch the day fizzle out in the shadows of the LOUIS OLYMPIA.

LOUIS OLYMPIA at Mykonos.

I lingered long enough for the OLYMPIA’s lights to flicker on, then headed back on board for a good night’s rest. My latest Greek marathon had just begun…
End Of Classic Aegean Aboard The LOUIS OLYMPIA, Part One.
Much More To Come…
Very special thanks: Martin Cox, Nicholas Filippides, Captain George Koumpenas, Michalis Maratheftis, Captain Stathis Romeos, Nic Spanoudes

Part 2 Link

Classic Aegean On LOUIS OLYMPIA, Part Two

Posted on Sunday, June 23, 2013 by Peter Knego

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Peter Knego continues his four night journey from Piraeus to the Greek Islands aboard Louis Cruises’ LOUIS OLYMPIA with visits to Kusadasi and Patmos.
Louis Cruises
Keep up to date with Peter Knego on Twitter by clicking here
All photos by and copyright Peter Knego 2013 unless otherwise noted.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Good Morning, LOUIS OLYMPIA!

At 5:00 AM, jet lag had switched me “on” and I was soon up and about, roaming the still sleeping ship. Staff were busy hosing down the decks, washing windows, vacuuming public rooms and getting the LOUIS OLYMPIA ready for the day. Out on the starboard Deck 7 promenade, I admired the freshly polished teak woodowork and caprails. I made several circuits as the lights of Asia Minor came into view.

Forward Deck 6 observation layers.

Dawning on Kusadasi.

I watched from the forward portion of Deck 7 as we took on the pilot and made a gradual approach to Kusadasi, the popular Turkish stop for visits to the spectacular Roman ruins of Ephesus. Having been countless times since my first visit on the STELLA OCEANIS in 1992, it was a chance for me to take some photos of the LOUIS OLYMPIA and get some work done in the pierside internet center.

Greek yogurt on board.

Golden honey, Greek yogurt and dates.

In all my years of cruising the Aegean, even while sailing on board Greek ships, I always had to go ashore to find a proper honey-drenched Greek yogurt. With Louis, instead of having to seek it out in some over-priced cafe, Greek yogurt is readily available for breakfast (and sometimes as a dessert with lunch and dinner). Of course, now it is all the rage in the States — and for good reason!

Oklahoma Lounge, facing aft.

As guests filed ashore for their tours of Ephesus and The House Of The Virgin Mary, I continued my documentation, covering some more of the ship’s interior spaces. The Oklahoma Lounge still bore its original name, layout and plush furnishings. Even the Royal Caribbean-commissioned murals by Norwegian artist Jorleif Uthaug were still mounted on three sides of this comfortable, elegant cabaret venue.

Kusadasi waterfront.

With a continuing “no thanks” to friendly but persistent offers for taxi rides, souvenirs and rug viewings, I walked past the local shops to the Kusadasi waterfront where the LOUIS OLYMPIA was in full view.

LOUIS OLYMPIA at Kusadasi.

As shaggy dogs frolicked and fishermen cast their lines around me, I captured the ship in a perfect morning light.

Angelina Turkiye!

Back at the terminal, I headed up past the perfumeries and shops to the internet center which, unlike my prior visits, was not filled with Skyping crew members from visiting cruise ships. After two hours of a glorious high speed wifi connection, it was fait accompli — for now, anyway.

Passage of an ORIENT QUEEN.

Back aboard the OLYMPIA, I was once again treated with a bridge visit to watch as the good captain Romeos and the Turkish pilot maneuvered us into the Strait of Samos on course for Patmos. A tiny speck on the horizon soon morphed into the glorious ORIENT QUEEN. We closed in our the LOUIS OLYMPIA’s sparkling fleetmate for a spectacular sail-by as the two ships “traded” ports.

STAR CLIPPER at Patmos.

Back in my cabin, I settled in for a short nap, only to open my eyes with a view of the handsome little STAR CLIPPER alongside us at Patmos.

LOUIS OLYMPIA at Patmos.

At Patmos, I rode the tender in just to take photos of the OLYMPIA, then enjoyed some tea and a swim on deck. I would return the following week on the ORIENT QUEEN and hopefully take some time to wander charming Patmos town or maybe even head to the local beach.

Pistachio cookies!

Every day with tea, there was a new selection of authentic Greek desserts, including some of the best cookies I have ever enjoyed at sea. The pistachio cookies were rapidly vanishing for good reason.

Monastery of St. John The Baptist at Patmos.

With a wonderful view of Patmos, it was so nice to swim in the salty Aegean waters of Deck 9 while still in the surrounds of the LOUIS OLYMPIA.

Dolmates!

Baklava.

Another phenomenal Greek feast awaited in the Lido and within moments, it was besieged like ancient Troy, albeit with spatulae and tongs.

Holding out for my Gyros!

Only after I had consumed the equivalent of two full dinners, did I find the gyros station. Alas, they would have to wait another day.  There was no more room at the inn.

Under Crown, Over Anchor.

Rising sun-set.

Out on deck, a gentle breeze wafted past as the LOUIS OLYMPIA hoisted anchor and began her pivot out of the Patmos anchorage. The sunset and Patmos lingered in our wake.

LOUIS OLYMPIA Can Can Lounge, facing aft.

I headed down to the Can Can Lounge, another still-true-to-its Royal-Caribbean-roots space with clusters of “cloud lighting”, a soaring ceiling and excellent sightlines.

Greek night.

If you are a fan of Greek music, there is no better place to enjoy it than on board the LOUIS OLYMPIA! Just as in the golden days of Sun Line and Epirotiki, Louis has resurrected the festivities with traditional folkloric dancing and utterly brilliant bouzouki music. This is a far cry from the canned soundtracks and Broadway style melodies of most American-based ships, ironically staged in a room on a former American-based ship named for a Broadway musical.

What’s this?

One of the OLYMPIA’s officers was kind enough to treat me to a delicious basil-infused Greek mojito, all the more delicious in the merriment. As its crunchy sugar crystals hit my tongue, I knew I’d hate myself in the morning!

Greek night.

Bouzouki.

Bouzouki.

Ropa!

The festivities continued on well into the night.  Fortunately, I had no early appointments in the morning…

Adriana’s towel lobster.

When I returned to Stateroom 7003, I had company in the form of a towel lobster expertly crafted by my attendant Adriana.
End Of Classic Aegean Cruising Aboard The LOUIS OLYMPIA, Part Two.
Much More to Come…
Very special thanks: Martin Cox, Nicholas Filippides, Captain George Koumpenas, Michalis Maratheftis, Captain Stathis Romeos, Nic Spanoudes 

Part 3 Link

Classic Aegean On LOUIS OLYMPIA, Part Three 

Posted on Monday, June 24, 2013 by Peter Knego

Peter Knego wraps up his four night journey from Piraeus to the Greek Islands aboard Louis Cruises' LOUIS OLYMPIA with visits to Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini
Louis Cruises
Keep up to date with Peter Knego on Twitter by clicking here
All photos by and copyright Peter Knego 2013 unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013

LOUIS OLYMPIA at Rhodes.

Rhodes is a fantastic island, replete with spectacular vistas of the sea, gorgeous beaches, a myriad of ancient cultures and history and a wonderful place to shop or grab a bite in a local tavern. I have done every tour possible, including Lindos, Kamiros, Ialysos, walks through the medieval fortress and shuttles to various beaches, so this would be a day to catch up on blogs and get some stories filed. It was also blazing hot, hovering in the 100 degree range when I awoke.

Enter ORIENT QUEEN 2!

Just as I decided to wander ashore, an incoming ship had me digging out the cameras back out. The little ORIENT QUEEN 2 was best known as Plantours’ VISTAMAR and was sold last year to Lebanese-owned Abou Mehri Cruises who seem to have a fondness for the name ORIENT QUEEN. Since their former ORIENT QUEEN (ex STARWARD) is now Louis’ ORIENT QUEEN (soon to be renamed LOUIS AURA) they had to add a “2” on the newest incarnation. To make things even more confusing, the ORIENT QUEEN — the one you will be reading about in the next blog — was berthed off our port side and the incoming “2” would snuggle up to our stern. LOUIS OLYMPIA was literally in an ORIENT QUEEN sandwich. I can only wonder how many people would return to the wrong ship that evening.

Rhodes cafe view.

Seeking out every bit of shade on the way, I walked into the old town and set up shop in a little cafe, watching the crowds roll by through wafts of cigarette smoke.

Reality in Rhodes.

A group of video camera-clad guys darted in and took over the table behind me. Soon, a gregarious Greek girl and her make up crew popped in and they began shooting a segment for a Greek reality show. Between her lipstick breaks, the guys asked everyone in the cafe to “just act normal and not look at the camera” as they carried on. The realities of “reality”.

Captain Romeos.

Work posted and/or filed, I headed back to the ship. It looked like the “real” ORIENT QUEEN would be the first to go but some of our lines had to be released before hers could be freed. ORIENT QUEEN’s gangway was hoisted and she was impatiently puffing smoke from her uptakes but then, suddenly, the game changed and we switched into departure mode. Within minutes, Captain Romeos had LOUIS OLYMPIA’s gangway up and lines released. Out on the wing, he began his seemingly effortless maneuvering and before we knew it, we were en route to Heraklion.

Classical recital.

Before dinner, I dropped in at the Oklahoma Lounge where a classical concerto was being held by pianist Stanislav Stanchev and violinist Yuri Sapotichnyi. It was superb, well-attended, much enjoyed.

Louis Cruises’ Executive Chef Ioannis.

I laid the cameras to rest for a wonderful dinner with the good captain, the staff captain, Louis Cruises’ Executive Chef Ioannia, two delightful couples from South Carolina and the quietest baby girl I have ever had the pleasure of dining with.

Slivers of roasted eggplant drizzled in olive oil.

And, to make it even more perfect, there was an eggplant selection on the menu.

Towel blossom.

Meanwhile, back in 7003, Adriana had concocted a fabulous towel blossom for me to sleep by.
Thursday, June 20, 2013

Exiting Heraklion.

Choices must be made on these intense Aegean circuits. Fortunately, I had visited Knossos Palace in Crete a few years ago, so for me, Heraklion was a sacrificial lamb in exchange for some rest. I decided to sleep in with no holds barred and found myself conscious at 9:45. With barely an hour before “all aboard”, I raced ashore, slurped a cappuccino and uploaded via fast wifi waves in the terminal cafe. Woe betide anyone trying to steal those quick Cretan signals without buying a drink first…

Catching up with the QUEEN…

When I got to the upper decks, our “neighbor”, the “real” ORIENT QUEEN (which had overtaken us the night before) was loosening her lines and backing into Heraklion harbor. We followed suit and set a 0 degree northbound course for Santorini. The two fleetmates seem to enjoy racing each other and this time, it was LOUIS OLYMPIA’s turn to take the eventual lead.

Passing the QUEEN in the Caldera.

When we reached the outer fringes of Santorini’s spectacular caldera, LOUIS OLYMPIA was well ahead of the ORIENT QUEEN.

Chief engineer Michail Zoas.

My appointment with Chief Engineer Zoas looked as though it would eclipse a visit to Santorini, which was fine since I enjoy the view from below almost as much as that from above. The chief began his passenger ship career on Celebrity’s ZENITH and has worked on all three CENTURY class ships and all five of the SOLSTICE class (curiously, no MILLENNIUM ships) but it seems as though the relatively little LOUIS OLYMPIA has stolen his heart. “These Wartsila diesels are the very best machines I have ever worked with. They are so well designed and are as good as new — better than what you will find on most newbuilds.”

LOUIS OLYMPIA Control Room.

I did get a peek at those spotless Wartsila diesels but promised to not show them here, although I am permitted to share a view of the control room.

Lava fang at Santorini.

With one last tender still loading, I grabbed the computer bag and cameras and hopped on board.

Layers of Fira Town.

Few places in the world have the emotional impact and stunningly raw beauty of Santorini. Its jagged pumice cliffs are mere fragments of a massive volcano whose explosion in approximately 1500 B.C. was one of the greatest cataclysms in human history.

Rising moon over ashen cliffs.

The intense blues of sky and sea in the surrounds of Santorini are unrivaled.

LOUIS OLYMPIA from Cafe Ios, Santorini.

No messy donkey climb or cable car for me today. Just a big bottle of water, another cappuccino and some high speed wifi at the Cafe Ios, thank you. The sea was close by and the caldera was filled with a trio of handsome ships, including Windstar’s WIND STAR, in addition to the dynamic Louis duo.

LOUIS OLYMPIA in the caldera.

After an hour or so, I grabbed a top deck tender seat and relished the breeze as we sped back towards the LOUIS OLYMPIA. It was fun watching fellow passengers’ awestruck looks as we passed under those ominous cliffs.

Post sunset glow in the caldera.

As the caldera waters are extremely deep, most ships, including the OLYMPIA and ORIENT QUEEN drift about, exchanging places during their Santorini calls. Only the little WIND STAR actually anchored that day and she looked quite magnificent in the sunset’s afterglow.

Switchbacks beyond the ORIENT QUEEN.

On the wing for one last time, I bid “tikanis” to the LOUIS OLYMPIA’s fine officers, some of whom I am honored to know are regular MaritimeMatters readers.

Oiya over wing.

As we passed the outcrop of Oiya, I headed down to pack. Early the following morning, I would be disembarking, although I will save my final goodbye for an upcoming blog since I expect to see the OLYMPIA again in a few days from the vantage of the equally-if-not-more delightful ORIENT QUEEN.
End Of Classic Aegean Cruising Aboard The LOUIS OLYMPIA
Very special thanks: Martin Cox, Nicholas Filippides, Captain George Koumpenas, Michalis Maratheftis, Captain Stathis Romeos, Nic Spanoudes